ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Defence
DEFENCE CORRESPONDENTS’ COURSE - 2020
Dear Editors/ Bureau Chiefs
1. The Directorate of Public Relations, Ministry of Defence will be conducting a month long Defence Correspondents’ Course  tentatively during Aug - Sep 2020.
2. Defence reporting being sensitive and highly technical, this course is being conducted for correspondents to enable them to appreciate the nuances of dissemination of information to the people, keeping in view, national integrity, social harmony and good neighbourly relations. Following are the QRs for the subject course:-
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Age
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35 years as on 1st Jul 2020.
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Educational Qualifications
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A bachelor’s degree in any stream  from a recognized University/Institution.
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A A Diploma or degree in Mass Communication /Journalism/Public Relations from a recognized University/Institution will be given additional weightage.
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Professional Experience
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At least three years of journalistic  experience with any reputed Newspaper /Agency /Electronic Channel on a regular basis. In case of print media, the newspaper/periodical should be registered with Registrar of Newspapers for India.
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Published/Broadcast works relating to Defence issues will have an added advantage for selection.
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Women candidates are encouraged to apply for the course.
3. In view of the above, it is requested that the career-oriented and enthusiastic journalists who have potential to rise up in future and contribute positively to Defence reporting, may be identified for the DCC-2020 and names be forwarded to undersigned by mid April to enable an interaction. An application form will be sent in due course thereafter. Last year, the unit was able to send 04 candidates from Gujarat within the limited seats. If required, an orientation capsule will be done for the earmarked journalists.
(Visitor Counter : 1254
PIB Headquarters
Check Dam across river Palar at Vayalur Village funded by Department of Atomic Energy
The long pending demand of residents of Kancheepuram District for Check dam across the Palar River became a reality. The nearly three decade old proposal has been revived to rejuvenate aquifers on either side of the river beds and also prevent intrusion of sea water. This will augment the ground water supply for the agricultural fields around and enhance water supply to various drinking water schemes.
The Department of Atomic Energy, Water Resources Department of State PWD, District Administration and Indian Institute of Technology, Madras has technically and administratively finalized the alignment near Vayalur - Kadalur villages for construction of check dam with sub-surface dyke for harnessing flood water after detailed study and analysis.
The innovative design of this work was vetted and approved by IIT, Madras since the conventional check dam design would not serve the purpose due to its proximity to the sea and backwaters. The water stored and recharged through the innovative design could be used for domestic and agricultural purposes in the surrounding areas.
The project at an estimated cost of Rs.32.50 Crores was administratively sanctioned by Department of Atomic Energy  for full funding. MoU has been entered between General Services Organisation of DAE and Water Resources Department of State PWD and Bhoomi Pooja was performed on 25.2.2019 for commencement of work.
The check dam for a length of 1200m long of 1.50mtr height and a sub surface dyke to a depth of 8mtrs or upto impervious clay layer below the Body wall along with downstream side apron glacier for 7m length with end wall /toe wall and launching apron of 4.50m length was constructed. The work was proposed to be completed within a year i.e., on or before 31.3.2020, whereas the work was completed ahead of the envisaged schedule to store flood water in current season itself.
Now it is witnessed that the newly built check dam filled up, following a three day spell of rain in the last week of October and the perennially dry river Palar is brimming with water for a stretch of 4km on upstream side of newly built check dam. It is practically seen that the ground water level has improved and the salinity has dipped drastically in and around the villages on Palar river bed.
This check dam also expected to contribute to the socio-economic development of the villages around Kalpakkam.
During the interactive session, representatives of the villages has said that this has given a boost to their livelihood and thanked the IGCAR for taking this project as part of their CSR initiative.
The expected life time of the check dam is 60 years and State government will carryout the periodic maintenance…, according to Dr.Arun Kumar Bhaduri, Director of Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research .
Ministry of Road Transport & Highways
PM to lay foundation stone for six laning of Aurangabad - Chordaha Section of NH-2 in Bihar tomorrow
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will lay the foundation stone for a National Highways project for six-laning of the 70 km long section of NH-2, extending from Aurangabad in Bihar to Chordaha on Bihar-Jharkhand border at a function in Motihari tomorrow. The cost of the project would be Rs 882 crores.
This section of NH-2 is part of the Delhi – Kolkata section of the Golden Quadrilateral. After widening, it will be have one flyover, 15 underpass, 7 major bridges, 24 minor bridges, 174 culverts, 12 foot over bridges, 26 bus bays, 7 truck lay bays and 2 wayside amenities.
Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation
NSSO, Ahmedabad to undertake special cleanliness drive at Safai Vidyalaya, Gandhi Ashram on 15th July’2023
Swachhta Pakhwada is being celebrated by Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation during July 01, 2023 to July 15, 2023 under Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. This campaign is aimed to encourage Jan Bhagidari & awarness about the cleanliness. All offices of the Field Operations Division of NSSO, MoSPI located in the Western Region of the Gujarat are undertaking various activities during the Pakhwada for promoting the cleanliness. On 2nd July 2023, a special cleanliness drive was organised by the Sub Regional Office, Rajkot in the well-known Rashtriya Shala which is a famous learning centre commissioned by Mahatma Gandhi in 1921. For Regional office, Ahmedabad and its’ other Sub-regional offices 15th July’2023 is designated for carrying out various activities under Special Cleanliness Drive. Regional office Ahmedabad in association with Safai Vidyalaya will undertake cleanliness and tree plantation drive in the premises of the Vidyalaya which is located in Gandhi Ashram. A bike rally for creating awareness about cleanliness and hygienic practices will be undertaken by the officials of FOD from the office premises to the Gandhi Ashram. Cleanliness drives have also been planned in the prominent places of Bhavnagar, Jamnagar and Surendranagar cities involving the general public by the field officials of the respective Sub-Regional Offices. All these activities are planned under the guidance of S K Bhanawat, DDG & Regional Head and Shri A J Parmar, Assistant Director of the regional office of FOD, NSSO, Ahmedabad.
Prime Minister's Office
Message from Hon'ble Prime Minister of India at International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor  at the Start of ITER Assembly
The ITER Organization is celebrating the Start of Assembly of the ITER Tokamak with a ceremony today on 28th July 2020 at Saint-Paul-Lez-Durance, France. Invited Head of States of all ITER member countries are participating either in person, or electronically through remote mode, or conveying his/her message. The Celebration has been hosted virtually by President Macron.
In his message, Honorable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi congratulated the ITER organization for their hard work and success so far. Taking note of the global participation of scientists and engineers he projected ITER to be a perfect illustration of the age-old Indian belief - Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam - the entire world is working together for the betterment of Mankind and that India stands proud with its fair share of contributions in terms of its in-kind contributions, viz., the cryostat, in vessel shields, substantial contributions to the cooling water, cryogenic and cryo-distribution systems, auxiliary heating devices using RF and beam technologies, multi mega watt power supplies and several diagnostics to help ITER to achieve and demonstrate its goal.
On the occasion, the message from Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi was delivered by Shri Jawed Ashraf, Ambassador of India to France & Monaco.
Read the full text of the Message at the link
http://dae.gov.in/writereaddata/iter2020_message_pm_india_shri_narendra_modi.pdf
Prime Minister's Office
PM to inaugurate New Integrated Terminal Building of Veer Savarkar International Airport, Port Blair on 18th July
Inspired from nature, the architectural design resembles a shell shaped structure depicting sea and islands
Presence of multiple sustainability features to ensure minimal negative impact on the islands’ environment
New Integrated Terminal Building capable of handling about 50 lakh passengers annually
It will help boost tourism and economy of the region
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will inaugurate the New Integrated Terminal Building of Veer Savarkar International Airport, Port Blair on 18th July at 10:30 AM via video conferencing.
Enhancing connectivity infrastructure has been a major focus of the government. The inauguration of the New Integrated Terminal Building, built at a cost of around Rs 710 crore, will play a key role in boosting connectivity of the island UT. With a total built up area of around 40,800 sqm., the new terminal building will be capable of handling about 50 lakh passengers annually. An Apron suitable for two Boeing-767-400 and two Airbus-321 types of aircraft has also been constructed at Port Blair Airport at a cost of ₹80 Crore, making the airport now suitable for parking of ten aircrafts at a time.
Inspired from nature, the architectural design of the airport terminal resembles a shell shaped structure depicting sea and islands. The new airport terminal building has a number of sustainability features like Double Insulated Roofing System to reduce heat gain, skylights to provide maximum inlet of abundant natural sunlight during day time to reduce artificial light usage inside the building, LED lighting, low heat gain glazing. Rainwater catchment in an underground water tank, on-site sewage treatment plant with 100% of treated wastewater reused for landscaping and a 500 KW capacity solar power plant are some other features of the terminal building ensuring minimal negative impact on the islands’ environment.
As a gateway to the pristine islands of the Andaman and Nicobar, Port Blair is a popular destination for tourists. The spacious New Integrated Terminal Building will boost air traffic and help enhance tourism in the region. It will also help create enhanced employment opportunities for the local community and give fillip to the economy of the region.
Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
CCMB STEPS IN TO REALIZE THE GOAL OF SELF RELIANT INDIA
The Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, a premier CSIR institute situated in the city has contributed positively in helping the nation achieve self-reliance in life sciences based technologies. Enumerating the contributions of CCMB in a webinar organized in the city today by the by Regional Outreach Bureau and Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Dr.Somadatta Karak ,Science Communication and Outreach officer said that many solutions for the challenges faced by the country were put out by CCMB ranging from development of disease resistant crop varieties to skilling the startups in health sector.
Dr Karak informed that CCMB is engaged in creating new knowledge base which could address issues of health and environment. CCMB is also actively involved in skilling human resources in biological sciences. Elaborating on the same, she said that CCMB developed testing kits for COVID 19 and trained medical personnel in using them. CCMB also established innovation and incubation centers in higher education institutions. She highlighted CCMB’s role in the Indian Genome Project, which aims to develop personalized medicine for people depending on their genetic make-up.
In the field of agriculture, Dr Karak said, CCMB, in collaboration with the Indian Council for Agricultural Research  developed Bacterial Blight Resistant variety of Samba rice. Through its research in the field of genomics, she said that CCMB discovered that Type II diabetes manifests differently in Indians than in the Westerners. Another important area of research CCMB is engaged in is wild life Conservation. Further, Dr.Karak said that CCMB has developed non-invasive technologies for assisted reproduction in animals, breeding of endangered species and Tiger census and movements.
In its endeavor to inculcate scientific temper among the youth, Dr Karak informed that CCMB has designed Special programmes for school, under graduate and post graduate students.
In her inaugural address, Smt Shruti Patil, Director, PIB & ROB said the Webinar is being organised in the background of the India International Science Festival-2020 to be held from 22nd to 25th of this month, the theme being, ‘Science for self-reliant India and global welfare’. The IISF aims to bring to the fore the role of science and technology and innovations in addressing the newer challenges the world is facing. Earlier, Shri Manas Krishnakanth, Assistant Director, ROB welcomed the participants address. Several college students, volunteers from NYK, officers and staff of various media units of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Scientists and Researchers from the CCMB participated in the webinar.
Prime Minister's Office
PM launches Government projects in Dadra and Nagar Haveli
PM launches Government projects in Dadra and Nagar Haveli
(The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today inaugurated several Government projects at Silvassa, Dadra and Nagar Haveli. These include Government buildings, solar PV systems, Jan Aushadhi Kendras and a Passport Seva Kendra.
He also distributed Aids and Assistive Devices to Divyangjans, and other benefits under existing Government schemes.
Speaking on the occasion, he said that he is coming to Dadra and Nagar Haveli for the first time as Prime Minister, but he has been here many times in the past.
He said that after assuming office, he sought details on impact of development schemes in Dadra and Nagar Haveli; and since then the Union Government has worked on areas needing attention.
Speaking on development themes, he said that every Indian must have access to housing facilities. He said that in less than a year, the number of beneficiaries under the Ujjwala scheme for LPG has crossed 2 crore.
The Prime Minister emphasized that the Union Government will never allow the poor and the middle class to be looted. He urged the assembled people to download the BHIM App for cashless transactions.
Ministry of Minority Affairs
The Officiating Chairperson, National Commission for Minorities Ms. Syed Shahezadi holds a meeting of the full Commission in New Delhi.
The Officiating Chairperson, National Commission for Minorities, NCM, Ms. Syed Shahezadi today in New Delhi chaired a meeting of the full Commission after she was appointed as Officiating Chairperson by the Minister of Minority Affairs Shri Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi on February 02, 2022. The Commission Members from Buddhist, Jain and Parsi communities also joined in the meeting. The Commission discussed various major issues related to NCM as well as welfare of the minorities.
During the year 2021-22, the Commission has received 1850 petitions till date out of which 1066 have been disposed off. Reports have been called from concerned authorities on 514 cases and the remaining 270 cases are under process. The Commission will continue to take up hearings in the unresolved matters pertaining to various issues and rights of the minorities in the country which have been brought to its notice and will recommend suitable course of action to all the concerned authorities.
Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs
CPHEEO- MoHUA organises first of its kind Regional Workshop on 24X7 Water Supply Systems
Central Public Health and Environmental Engineering Organisation  , Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs with technical cooperation of Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit  and Government of Odisha, is organising first of its kind regional workshop on 24x7 Water Supply System at Puri in Odisha on 29th and 30th September, 2022.
The 2-day workshop was inaugurated today. Smt D. Thara, Additional Secretary & National Mission Director , Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs chaired the Inaugural session and delivered the keynote address.
Hon'ble Prime Minister launched AMRUT 2.0 on October 154, 2021 with a vision to make all cities water secure and provide universal coverage of water supply services in all the urban areas of the country. One of the outcomes of AMRUT 2.0 is to provide 24x7 water supply with drink from tap facility in at least one ward or one DMA in all 500 AMRUT cities.
24×7 water supply is the need of the hour to improve the service delivery and steer the economy by improving the livelihoods of the urban population. Therefore, it is the need of the hour to disseminate knowledge and handhold the states and cities on 24×7 water supply systems.
In order to disseminate knowledge and extend handholding support to States and Cities for converting from intermittent water supply to 24X7 continuous water supply systems, the Ministry has constituted National Task Force  on 24x7 water supply systems at National level and State-level Task Force  on 24x7 water supply systems at State level respectively. Ten  States and UTs have constituted the State-level Task Force  on 24x7 water supply systems so far.
During the workshop, Shri.G. Mathi Vathanan, Principal Secretary, Housing & Urban Development Department, Government of Odisha addressed the audience on the “Drink from Tap” Mission being implemented in many cities of Odisha.
The National Task Force  headed by Dr. M Dhinadhayalan, Adviser , CPHEEO, MoHUA steered the technical sessions on 24x7 water supply systems. States presented their State Action Plan on 24x7 water supply under AMRUT 2.0. The 24x7 Water Supply Case-studies of Puri, Pune, Coimbatore and water audit of Solapur were also presented.
NTF presented technical guidelines on 24x7 water supply published by the Ministry. The NTF will also present draft 24x7 Water Supply and Management Policy and draft PPP guideline on 24×7 Water Supply system and get the feedback from the state participants.
The conference is being attended by about 100 participants including the Chairmen and members of the State-level Task Force  of 9 States, comprising of Technical Heads, Chief Engineers, City Engineers & Senior Engineers.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
India’s Cumulative COVID-19 Vaccination Coverage exceeds 179.72 Cr
More than 16.73 lakh Vaccine Doses administered in the last 24 hours
Recovery Rate currently stands at 98.70%
4,194 New Cases reported in the last 24 hours
India's Active Caseload currently stands at 42,219
Weekly Positivity Rate is presently at 0.55%
With the administration of more than 16.73 lakh Doses  vaccine doses in the last 24 hours, India’s COVID-19 vaccination coverage has exceeded 179.72 Cr  as per provisional reports till 7 am today.
This has been achieved through 2,09,78,959 sessions. The break-up of the cumulative figure as per the provisional report till 7 am today include:
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Cumulative Vaccine Dose Coverage
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HCWs
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1st Dose
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1,04,02,446
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2nd Dose
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99,81,709
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Precaution Dose
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42,89,499
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FLWs
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1st Dose
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1,84,11,160
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2nd Dose
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1,74,72,193
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Precaution Dose
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64,98,866
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Age Group 15-18 years
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1st Dose
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5,57,21,363
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2nd Dose
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3,28,94,781
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Age Group 18-44 years
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1st Dose
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55,30,74,873
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2nd Dose
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45,33,55,953
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Age Group 45-59 years
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1st Dose
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20,24,83,437
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2nd Dose
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18,22,67,327
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Over 60 years
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1st Dose
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12,65,62,922
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2nd Dose
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11,35,16,811
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Precaution Dose
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1,02,67,175
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Precaution Dose
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2,10,55,540
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Total
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1,79,72,00,515
6,208 patients have recovered in the last 24 hours and the cumulative tally of recovered patients  is now at 4,24,26,328.
Consequently, India’s recovery rate stands at 98.70%.
4,194 new cases were reported in the last 24 hours.
India’s Active Caseload is presently at 42,219. Active cases constitute 0.10% of the country's total Positive Cases.
The testing capacity across the country continues to be expanded. The last 24 hours saw a total of 8,12,365 tests being conducted. India has so far conducted over 77.68 Cr  cumulative tests.
While testing capacity has been enhanced across the country, Weekly Positivity Rate in the country currently stands at 0.55% and the Daily Positivity rate is reported to be 0.52%.
Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
Scholarship for EWS Students
The Department of Social Justice and Empowerment is implementing an umbrella scheme namely PM Young Achievers Scholarship Award Scheme for Vibrant India  under which Post-Matric Scholarship is provided to the Economically Backward Category students. Also, from this year, the Department is implementing following sub-schemes under PM YASASVI for quality education of Economically Backward Category students:
- Top Class School for OBC, EBC and DNT students: This Scheme will cover OBC/EBC/DNT students for pursuing studies from Class IX to XII th in top repute school shortlisted by the Central Government. The grants will be provided for tuition fee etc as required by the school, subject to a ceiling of Rs. 75,000/- per annum per student of class 9 and 10 and Rs. 1,25,000/- per annum per student of class 11 and 12. The students will be selected based on merits in Computer based test namely “ YASASVI ENTRANCE TEST ” to be conducted by National Testing Agency . State-wise slots have been allocated and target beneficiaries for 2022-23 have been kept 15,000.
 Top Class College for OBC, EBC and DNT students: This scheme will cover OBC/EBC/DNT students for pursuing studies beyond class XIIth. The Scheme will operate in all the institutions notified by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment for every financial year. All the IIMs / IITs/ IIITs / AIIMSs/ NITs/NIFTs/ NIDs/ Indian Institutes of Hotel Management, National Law Universities and other Central Government Institutions will be eligible to be included in the Scheme. The students, who secured admission in the notified institutions, will be awarded scholarship to meet the requirements for full tuition fee and non-refundable charges up to a ceiling of Rs. 2.00 lakh per annum along with living expenses Rs.3000/-per month per student, books and stationery @ Rs. 5000/- per annum per student and one time assistance of Rs 45,000 for latest computer/laptop. Around 259 institutions have been shortlisted among which 15,000 slots will be distributed for year 2022-23.
This information was given by Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment Dr.Virendra Kumar in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.